The UN agency that works with Palestine refugees (UNRWA) remains gravely concerned about the ongoing violence in Syria and reiterates its appeal for the conflict to be solved through mediated dialogue.

UNRWA cites reports that show a sharp escalation in armed confrontation around Yarmouk camp in Damascus where a rocket attack this week reportedly killed 10 civilians, at least five of whom were Palestine refugees.

Yarmouk is the largest Palestine refugee camp in Syria, with more than 148,000 residents.

Since December, 130,000 people have fled the camp and UNRWA is providing assistance to around 25,000 people who have either chosen to remain or who lack the means to leave.

Although the UN agency cannot independently verify reports of Palestinian deaths in Yarmouk, UNRWA says it is clear that further escalation in fighting is creating new waves of displacement and a rise in the number of Palestinian deaths, injuries, trauma and overall suffering.